The High Performance Facility and Offices at Rugby Park are purpose built facilities for the Canterbury Rugby Football Union (CRFU) and Crusaders. Since the 2011 earthquakes Athfield Architects have been involved in developing feasibility studies for both CRFU and Crusader franchises, ultimately resulting in the two stage completion of the High Performance Facility and Offices at Rugby Park in late 2015.
Consisting of two wings the ‘L’ shaped building creates a secure edge to the field beyond and defines the Rutland/ Malvern Street corner of Rugby Park. The western office wing accommodates CRFU and Crusader administration office space, amenities and shared staffroom. Adjoining the existing grandstand, the eastern training wing houses a gymnasium, complete with double height interior lineout space, artificial turf and cardio/ weights equipment zones. Player’s changing and medical facilities, as well as lounge and strategy room are also included within this wing as part of the integrated existing building. A central entrance/ meeting volume connects the two wings using the historic Memorial Gates as the set out for its axis.
Photo Credit: Jason Mann Photography